SPICE OF LIFE

Man of the Year : Roland Velasco - Roland Velasco ’ s long history of serving others first began in the United States Army as an Intelligence Analyst . Upon returning home to Gilroy , he attained a bachelor ’ s degree in political science at San Jose State University . He followed that up with a master ’ s degree in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco . Velasco has dedicated himself to his community serving as a board member for Leadership Gilroy , Fire Commissioner for South County Fire District , a K-9 handler with the Santa Clara County Search and Rescue . In 2016 he was elected the 33rd Mayor of Gilroy and served his city well for four years . Velasco ’ s service to his country was recognized by the American Legion Post # 217 when he was honored with the title Veteran of the Year . He is currently an adjunct instructor of political science for Gavilan College .

Woman of the Year : Deborah A . Flores - Since 2007 Deborah Flores has been the Superintendent of the Gilroy Unified School District , ( GUSD ), and is the longest serving superintendent in the Santa Clara County . Throughout her lengthy career , which began in 1975 as an elementary special education and middle school summer migrant education teacher , she has amassed an impressive list of accomplishments , including : Amherst- Pelham School District , MA Teacher of the Year , Riverside County Woman of Achievement , ACSA Central Office Administrator of the Year , ACSA Region 8 Superintendent of the Year , and ACSA Superintendent of the Year , and now she can add to her list Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Women of the Year . During her tenure with GUSD two general obligation bonds passed resulting in the construction of Christopher High School , the renovation of Gilroy High School , and the new Brownell Middle School campus .

Large Business of the Year : Alpine Landscapes - Alpine Landscapes offers commercial services including maintenance , irrigation , enhancement , construction , and tree care , and is the joint venture of Allen Dinsmore and his son Ryan . The father / son team grew the company from seven employees to 25 by the time Allen sold the business to Ryan in 2016 . Since then the company has continued to grow , so much so that they have outgrown their current space and by mid-year will be moving into a new location on north Monterey Road . Not only is Alpine Landscapes a successful business , it is also a generous supporter of local organizations including Gilroy Rotary and St . Joseph ’ s Family Center .

Small Business of the Year : Bracco ’ s Towing - Founded in 1992 by Dion Bracco , Bracco ’ s Towing and Transport Inc ., has been recognized by the state of California and the City of Gilroy for its generous support of programs dedicated to eliminating drunk driving . Bracco ’ s support to the community , which he learned from him father , is evident in the list of recipients he ’ s helped throughout the years : the Exchange Club of Gilroy , Sober Graduation , Every Fifteen Minutes , Breast Cancer Awareness , Gilroy Gang Task Force , Police Activities League D . A . R . E ., St . Joseph ’ s Family Center , and New Hope Compassion Center , to name just a few . “ I grew up seeing my father helping others and volunteering in the community ,” Dion said . Bracco Towing is a member of the California Tow Truck Association , where Dion has served as Treasurer and Vice President of Education on the Executive Board .

GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN SPRING 2021 gmhtoday . com

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